Subfreezing temperatures and frigid winds didn't stop hundreds of strange-looking penguins from jumping into the ocean on the first day of 2018.

Of course, those penguins were humans and the jump, held in Ocean City, wasn't just an exhilarating start to the new year: The Penguin Swim is Atlantic General Hospital's annual fundraiser. Last year, the swim grossed $98,000, bringing nonprofit hospital's total to nearly $1.4 million since it started in 1995.

This year marks the Penguin Swim's 25th anniversary. Proceeds go toward Atlantic General's mission to "improve individual and community health," according to an event release.

Here's a roundup of chilly swims to welcome in the new year:

Penguin Swim in Ocean City

When: New Year's Day, Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 1 p.m.Where: Princess Royale Hotel, 91st Street oceanfront, Ocean CityRegistration: Participants can register online at www.aghpenguinswim.org. Pre-registration is on Monday, Dec. 31, at Princess Royale Hotel from 2-4 p.m. Regular registration is on the day of the swim from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with carnival games and more in the atrium running until 2 p.m. The swim begins at 1 p.m., followed immediately by an awards ceremony. Who it benefits: Atlantic General Hospital

Dewey Dunk

What: The annual Dewey Dunk by the Dewey Business Partnership includes a bonfire (weather permitting), hot chocolate and event swag. When: New Year's Day at noonWhere: Dagsworthy Street Beach, Dewey BeachRegistration: Registration and swag pickup begins at 11:30 a.m. on the beach.

Eskimo Swim, Race in Bethany Beach

What: Freeze your tail off to support students at the annual Hair of the Dog Run and Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos Plunge. You can run a 5K or 10K, jump in the water, register for a combination of activities or be the designated towel holder and cheerleader. Post-race/plunge parties and the chance to win prizes, like largest registered team and best attire, are included. When: New Year's Day. Race day packet pickup is from 7:30-8:30 a.m., and plunge packet pickup goes until 11:30 a.m. The 10K starts at 8:45 a.m., the 5K starts at 10 a.m. and the plunge kicks off at noon.Where: Downtown Bethany BeachRegistration: Register online at http://business.bethany-fenwick.org/events Fees vary depending on chosen activity, and range from $20 to participate in the plunge all the way to $70 for the combined plunge, 5K and 10K. Who it benefits: The Captain William O. Murray Scholarship is awarded by the Quiet Resort Charitable Foundation to students who show a strong commitment to civic and community service. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded $2,000 per year for four years.

Fenwick Freeze

What: It's the 15th annual Fenwick Freeze. T-shirt included with registration.When: New Year's Day at 11:30 a.m.Where: Bayard Street Beach, Fenwick IslandRegistration: Register the day of event from 9-11 a.m. Pre-register now through Dec. 28 for just $20, either by mailing or dropping off the registration form and payment to Town Hall, stopping by Town Hall on Dec. 30 or 31 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to register in person, or online at https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/2018/12/04/fenwick-freeze-2/. Who it benefits: The Fenwick Island Lifeguard National Competition

Polar Pony Plunge in Assateague Island

What: Dress up in your "zaniest, craziest costume" for the annual Pony Plunge. When: New Year's Day at 1:19 p.m.Where: Assateague IslandRegistration: Pre-registration is recommended, and can be done online at www.chincoteaguechristmas.com. Plungers must also sign a waiver and release form. Polar Pony Plunge T-shirts are available for a $20 donation.

Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in February

What: The 2019 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge marks the 28th anniversary of the event, which has raised more than $10 million for Special Olympics Delaware, an organization that aims to "provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities," according to its website.When: Sunday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m.Where: Rehoboth BeachRegistration: Register online at https://www.plungede.org/. Participants can either make a $10 deposit and commit to raising an additional $65 by the day of the plunge or pay the $75 fee in full. The minimum of $75 is required to participate in the plunge and gets polar bears a sweatshirt. Raising funds is encouraged and leads to additional prize levels like embroidered towels, robes and fleece. Who it benefits: Special Olympics Delaware